Madison Bumgarner included the New York Yankees on his no-trade list. That doesn’t actually mean he’ll never end up in the Bronx, though.
On Saturday, Madison Bumgarner’s eight-team no-trade list leaked to the sports world via a Ken Rosenthal tweet. The New York Yankees are one of the teams the San Francisco Giants ace is apparently against joining:
Madison Bumgarner’s eight-team no-trade list, per sources:#Braves#RedSox#Cubs#Astros#Brewers#Yankees#Phillies#STLCards
Bumgarner chose teams strategically; list comprised solely of contenders that might want to acquire him from #SFGiants, not teams he wants to avoid.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2019
Per Rosenthal’s original and subsequent tweets, however, there’s no reason to give up on any hopes you may have for Bumgarner pitching in pinstripes:
Further explanation on Bumgarner: Players include contenders on their no-trade list to gain leverage if a trade agreement is reached, NOT because they have no interest in winning.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2019
More context on Bumgarner: His contract allows him to reject trades to eight teams. The eight I reported are the ones he can block. He can still approve trades to those teams, but generally players want some form of compensation to waive their no-trade protection.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2019
Even if Rosenthal is correct, the Yankees aren’t necessarily in the market for the 2020 free agent. Although New York’s injury deluge includes starters Luis Severino and James Paxton, all hope is not lost in the Bronx.
Paxton played catch on Friday, reporting no soreness in his inflamed left knee. Such news could indicate an imminent return.
Severino isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break. But that’s not causing panic, thanks to Domingo German.
German has filled in by being the Yankees’ best starter so far. The 26-year-old is 7-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
Still, the Yankees always dream of adding yet another championship to their trophy case. Therefore, Bumgarner’s dominant postseason history is tantalizing.
The 29-year-old is 8-3 with a 2.11 ERA in the playoffs, including three shutouts.
Bumgarner’s career 3.06 ERA in the regular season is nothing to scoff at, either. Brian Cashman would be foolish not to at least look into a deal for the North Carolina native.
Also, more injuries could force the Yankees’ hand.
If Paxton or Severino suffer a serious setback, or if another starter goes down, don’t be surprised to see the MLB rumor mill churn out a ton of content on MadBum and the Bombers.
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